As we approach Thanksgiving Day tomorrow, I find myself reflecting on Ohio's unique history.
Because we know without people there would be no human history, we also know to understand Ohio and the character of its early settlers, we must consider the landscape they encountered upon arrival in wagons and horseback even before its statehood in 1803.
Thus, to learn more about the hardships and changes our Ohio ancestors faced, we need to learn more about their environment in the territory that would become the 17th state. This means understanding the geography of the lands and early county boundaries that changed as the years progressed.
If you're thinking that I am including the value of maps in this discussion, then your thinking is right on the mark.
Whether you are a life-long Ohioan or someone who never stepped foot in the state, gaining a good grasp of Ohio and how it evolved into a state of 88 counties with over 1,000 townships will serve you well when studying your ancestors' contributions to their communities. It will help you to know where the records of their achievements, associations, and even outlandish adventures can be found.
May I suggest an on-line stop at Ohio History Central !! There are several links here and clicking on the title will also take you to the main site.
Maps galore and so much more await you on this website. Be sure to use the "Search" feature in the upper left and the Index Tab to help you navigate your way through the maps and history of Ohio; home to your ancestors who chose to live and be buried in the Buckeye State.
